California-based digital infrastructure company Equinix, Inc. has announced plans to build a new £61 million International Business Exchange (IBX) data centre in the Agecroft Commerce Park in Salford, Manchester.

The new IBX — called MA5 — will be Equinix’s fifth data center in the Greater Manchester area and is scheduled to open in Q2 of 2022.

“Manchester is Europe’s second-largest creative, digital and media hub, housing MediaCity UK — one of the world’s most advanced media centers and home to the BBC’s headquarters,” said Equinix.

“The city has a fast-growing technology scene, noted for eCommerce, and an emerging start-up ecosystem.

“It is home to low-latency connectivity through network routes to the United States and has access to international subsea cables via Ireland and the West of England.”

Lorraine Wilkinson, Vice President of Sales, UK, Equinix, said: “With a rich industrial history, Manchester has long been one of the UK’s leading cities for business, catering to globally renowned companies and start-ups looking to grow and scale their operations.

“MA5 will provide high-speed connectivity to the North of England, facilitating the next generation of digital transformation within the region.

“The new site will bring Equinix’s total investment in Manchester to over £130 million, and £1 billion+ in the UK’s digital infrastructure as a whole.”

Russell Poole, Managing Director, UK, Equinix, added: “This new investment is a significant addition to our existing portfolio in the UK.

“The site will cater to the growing number of enterprises — both regionally and internationally — that require ultra-low-latency connectivity to remain competitive.

“MA5 forms part of a wider investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure, and further cements Britain’s position as one of the most important markets globally to do business.”

Katie Gallagher, managing director, Manchester Digital: “Greater Manchester continues to be a thriving region for both global tech companies and start-ups.

“We’re pleased Equinix is opening their fifth data center here, which will bring with it even more career opportunities for the tech industry, as well as supporting the city’s digital infrastructure.

“We look forward to working closely with Equinix to support and develop the tech industry across the city as it continues to grow.”